The Rise of the ‘Super Actuary’: Data, AI, and the Next Era of Actuarial Work

The Rise of the ‘Super Actuary’: Data, AI, and the Next Era of Actuarial Work

What does AI actually mean for the future of actuarial work? In this episode of Risk Reimagined, Steve is joined by Dagny Grillis, who leads global AI and innovation efforts, to unpack how data and technology are reshaping the actuarial profession. Dagny shares her journey from academic mathematics to actuarial consulting and explains why actuaries are well positioned to use AI as an enabler rather than a replacement.  The conversation cuts through the hype to focus on where real value is already showing up, from modernising legacy code to building practical, predictive models. Looking ahead, they discuss how actuaries’ tools and workflows are likely to change, freeing time for judgement, insight and higher-value problem solving. This episode also offers practical guidance on the skills, data, and mindset actuaries need to stay relevant in an increasingly AI-driven world. Mixed & Edited by Next Day Podcast [https://www.nextdaypodcast.com/] info@nextdaypodcast.com [info@nextdaypodcast.com]

Technology isn’t the barrier: rethinking actuarial transformation

What’s really holding actuarial teams back from getting value out of modern technology?  In this episode of Risk Reimagined, Technology isn’t the barrier: rethinking actuarial transformation, Steve speaks with Adrien, a career actuary who has spent years working at the intersection of actuarial practice, platforms, and AI. Together, they explore why the biggest challenge today isn’t access to tools, but how organisations collaborate and operationalise them.  Adrien shares real examples of when transformation worked, and when it didn’t, highlighting the role of trust, early collaboration between actuaries and technologists and iterative delivery over long, siloed builds. The conversation also looks at how AI is changing the pace of development, shortening feedback loops and making actuarial insight more accessible across the business. For listeners navigating technology change, this episode offers practical perspective on what actually drives successful actuarial transformation and what gets in the way! Mixed & Edited by Next Day Podcast [https://www.nextdaypodcast.com/] info@nextdaypodcast.com [info@nextdaypodcast.com]

Upskilling actuaries for the Age of AI

What does it really take to upskill actuaries for AI and modern data work?  In this episode, Steve speaks with Cal Skwerski, an actuary who has moved from traditional reserving into analytics and technology-led transformation, about how Cal approached building data literacy at scale. The conversation explores why early training efforts fell short, how a shift toward a shared baseline of skills changed adoption and why community, peer learning, and hands-on “capstone” projects proved critical.  A central theme is the importance of creating a common language around data, AI and governance enabling actuaries to collaborate more effectively across disciplines and manage new risks with confidence. Rather than focusing on tools alone, the episode offers practical insight into how culture and learning by doing can turn upskilling into a catalyst for real transformation. Mixed & Edited by Next Day Podcast [https://www.nextdaypodcast.com/] info@nextdaypodcast.com [info@nextdaypodcast.com]

How Actuaries lead transformational change without losing control

What does real transformation look like when AI becomes a core part of how organisations operate and how do leaders embrace that change without introducing new risks? In this episode of Risk Reimagined: How Actuaries lead transformational change without losing control, Steve is joined by Jennifer Jaben, a transformation leader with deep actuarial roots, to explore how technology and AI are reshaping business models across insurance and financial services. The conversation goes beyond incremental improvements to examine what it takes to redesign organisations in a way that is both innovative and resilient. Together, they discuss why actuaries are uniquely positioned to lead this shift, how talent and mindset shape successful transformation, and where the real risks lie, whether from moving too slowly or adopting AI without the right governance. This episode offers a practical, risk-aware perspective on how leaders can rethink transformation in the age of AI while maintaining control, trust and long-term value. Mixed & Edited by Next Day Podcast [https://www.nextdaypodcast.com/] info@nextdaypodcast.com [info@nextdaypodcast.com]

Who becomes an Olympian? The future of Actuaries, AI and Insurance Risk

What happens when actuarial science meets applied AI at scale?  In this episode, Steve is joined by Lisa Wardlaw, a long-time industry leader and innovator, to explore how technology is beginning to fundamentally change the way insurance and risk are modelled. Moving beyond surface-level AI use cases, the conversation dives into why real transformation won’t come from incremental efficiency gains, but from rethinking core business models and decision-making.  Lisa shares a provocative view of the future, where real-time, dynamic risk modelling becomes possible and where organisations that fail to adapt risk being left far behind. The episode also examines the evolving role of actuaries in managing emerging AI risks, from governance to subtle, hard-to-detect exposures, and offers practical guidance for executives ready to move from experimentation to meaningful action in a rapidly changing landscape. Mixed & Edited by Next Day Podcast [https://www.nextdaypodcast.com/] info@nextdaypodcast.com [info@nextdaypodcast.com]